6 Ways to Give An Assist on #GivingTuesday: 5) SHOP for Social Enterprise and Fair Trade Sports Brands

Alive & Kicking is an African social enterprise that manufactures sports balls to provide balls for children, create jobs for adults and promote health education through sport. Based on the principle that trade will help communities in the long term, Alive & Kicking’s workshops in Kenya, Zambia and Ghana are run as not-for-profit businesses.http://www.aliveandkicking.org/shop/

One World Futbol (Soccer)

The nearly indestructible One World Futbol never needs a pump and never goes flat - even when punctured. For every One World Futbol you buy, they give a second ball to a community in need through organizations working in disadvantaged communities such as refugee camps, war zones, disaster areas and inner cities.http://www.oneworldfutbol.com

Little Feet (Soccer)

Little Feet is committed to providing children in need the opportunity to play the "Beautiful Game." For every ball you buy, Little Feet will give an additional ball to child in need. Purchasing Little Feet Apparel directly contributes to building a soccer field for a community in need.http://www.littlefeet.com

Senda (Soccer/Rugby/Netball)

Senda manufactures and sells soccer balls, uniforms and apparel that operates to “respect the people who make the products and the environment, and promote soccer as a tool to improve lives.” The company is committed to providing good working conditions and fair wages to the people making their products, and they work directly with nonprofit programs that are using soccer as a tool for development in their communities.http://www.sendaathletics.com

Janji (Running)

Through each purchase of Janji’s distinctive running apparel, a portion of proceeds funds organizations that are alleviating the worst problems related to food and water. By funding solutions and raising awareness through running apparel, Janji wants to create a nation of runners that run for another and eliminate the global food and water crisis.http://www.runjanji.com

Social Conscience Sports Balls (Soccer/Basketball/Volleyball)

Social Conscience sells “Fair Trade Sports Balls” which contribute positively to the welfare of families in Pakistan, where over 70% of the world’s soccer balls are stitched. Under the umbrella of Fairtrade International, workers who assemble Fairtrade Certified sports balls are assured a minimum wage and fair employment conditions, as well as funding to invest in social and economic initiatives in their communities. Further, children under the age of 15 are prohibited from working in the factories and stitching centres.http://www.social-conscience.com/Shop.html

Hendrick Boards (Skateboarding)

Hendrick Boards manufactures and sells a line of eco-friendly, handcrafted maple & bamboo skateboard decks and apparel. But these skateboards are more than just good for the planet, they’re good for its furry inhabitants as well. Hendrick Boards gives a financial contribution to animal shelters and rescue programs with the purchase of every product - from 20% to 40% of the purchase price of each item.http://www.hendrickboards.com

Kourage Athletics (Running)

Kourage Athletics creates running apparel that is designed, manufactured, and managed in Kenya by Kenyans. Kourage garments are exported and sold in the developed countries with revenues reinvested into the Kenyan economy. Production for Kourage Athletics is sourced to a Kenyan owned and operated factory in Rift Valley, which is home to the greatest Kenyan runners. Through providing well paying jobs, Kenyan workers and their families are able to afford private school for their children, adequate medical care, and nutritious meals which leads to an increased quality of life. Furthermore, workers are provided with valuable training that improve their lifetime earning potential.http://www.kourageathletics.com